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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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20011.02 – Science Managers

Science managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the research, development or production activities of a scientific research and development laboratory or firm. They develop and implement policies, standards and procedures for the scientific and technical work performed in the laboratory, department, service, or firm.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Landscape architecture manager
  • Life sciences program manager
  • Research director - forestry
  • Research director - mining

Core competencies

  • Critical Thinking, Decision Making and Problem Solving to scrutinize hypotheses, identify potential biases and interpret findings within the context of broader scientific knowledge
  • Coordinating to foster collaboration, streamline workflows and optimize operational efficiency across research departments or laboratories
  • Mathematical Reasoning and Numerical Ability to deal with complex data sets, statistical analyses, and financial projections related to research and development projects
  • Verbal Ability and Speech Clarity to communicate research goals, strategies and findings to diverse audiences, including scientific peers, stakeholders and nontechnical personnel
  • Stress Tolerance to remain composed and solve problems under pressure while leading teams during challenging phases of research projects
  • Knowledge in Performance Measurement to assess research productivity, track project milestones and evaluate the impact of scientific innovations

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the research, development or production activities of a scientific research and development laboratory or firm
  • Develop and implement policies, standards and procedures for the scientific and technical work performed in the laboratory, department, service, or firm
  • Assign, coordinate and review the applied scientific work of the department or project teams
  • Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects
  • Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status
  • Review project activities, prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports
  • Recruit personnel and oversee development and maintenance of staff competence in required areas
  • May participate directly in the design, development and inspection of the theoretical or applied scientific work of the department.

Additional information

  • Progression to senior management positions in the respective fields is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists (21112)
  • Biologists and related scientists (21110)
  • Chemists (21101)
  • Computer and information systems managers (20012)
  • Data scientists (21211)
  • Engineering managers (20010)
  • Forestry professionals (21111)
  • Geoscientists and oceanographers (21102)
  • Managers in natural resources production and fishing (80010)
  • Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries (21210)
  • Meteorologists and climatologists (21103)
  • Other professional occupations in physical sciences (21109)
  • Public and environmental health and safety professionals (21120)

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.